Peach Crumb Bars

 16 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

2 egg yolks

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 1/3 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup apricot preserves

2 large ripe peaches

1 Tbsp brown sugar

 1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1.  In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy 3-5 minutes.  Add egg yolks one at a time, mixing between each addition until incorporated.  Add vanilla and mix.  The dough may look curdled but that is normal.

2.  Add the flour, baking powder, an salt.  Mix until just combined and no dry streaks remain, 1-2 minutes.

3.  Line an 8x8 baking dish with a parchment sling and butter the sides.  Add half of the dough to the prepared pa and press evenly to create the bottom crust.

4.  Spread jam on the bottom crust.  Line the sliced peaches over the preserves.  This usually takes three rows, an as long as the peaches are even,, overlap peaches if necessary. Sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, and ground ginger.  Top with the remaining dough by breaking it into small pieces evenly over the peaches.

5.  Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 35-45 minutes.  If the top seems to be getting too brown, cover with foil.  The bars will become puffed an golden on the top an the edges should have a little bubbling from the preserves.

6.  Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting, at least 4 hours, IF not they will not cut well.  Remove parchment sling and cut into squares.

Recipe:  Wise Guide